Menstrual care included as eligible

Menstrual care products were added as eligible expenses as part of the legislation.
That means employees can now use their HSA, FSA and HRA funds to purchase items such
as tampons, pads and menstrual sponges. This change also takes place retroactive to
January 1, 2020.

With the above being said, please note, Benefit Analysis, Inc. is working with their
benefit card vendor to get the card system updated. Until then, if you pay out of
pocket for any OTC products, you can submit them directly to BAI at this time to
info@benefitanalysis.com or through the web portal/app.

Frequently Asked Questions

English

What is coronavirus?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Coronavirus is
a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected
in China and which has now been detected in almost 90 locations internationally, including
the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes
has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).

How does it spread?

According to the CDC, the virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are
in close contact with one another (within about six feet) through respiratory droplets
produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object
that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their
eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

What are the symptoms of this infection?

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness. The following
symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.

Fever

Cough

Shortness of breath

What do I do if I feel sick?

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), you
can call the following phone numbers:

East Campus (Hospital) COVID-19 Triage Hotline: (631) 638-1320

West Campus (631) 632-5000

Or your own healthcare provider

What if I test positive for COVID-19?

You will be paid for up to two weeks during the quarantine period without charge to
your accruals. You should contact Chelsea Biondolillo at 631-632-6515. You will be
sent paperwork to be completed by your healthcare professional. As soon as possible,
please scan and email the completed paperwork to
chelsea.biondolillo@stonybrook.edu or fax a copy of your test results to 631-982-7377

What if I have been told to stay home and quarantine?

If you are unable to work from home and the Department of Health orders you to stay
home and quarantine, you will be paid for up to two weeks during the quarantine period
without charge to your accruals.

What if I can’t report to work because my child’s school or daycare is closed?

New federal laws have also been passed that provide certain employees with additional
benefits under certain circumstances. However, these new federal laws do not apply
to FSA employees who work at Stony Brook Medicine or to any other FSA employee that
provides foodservice or other support to Stony Brook Medicine.

Check with your school district. Many in the area are offering free childcare.

Stony Brook Child Care is offering free child care for kids up to kindergarten, however,
there may be a waiting list. Another option is to contact a family member, your school
district or
scopeonline.us.

I want to get tested for COVID-19. Where can I go?

Call your healthcare professional if you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty
breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or
if you live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.
Your healthcare professional will work with New York State DOH and CDC to determine
if you need to be tested for COVID-19.

How do I help prevent the spread of viruses, including coronavirus?

The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory
diseases, including:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Stay home while you’re sick and limit close contact with others

Cover up your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze

Keep things clean in your living space to avoid spreading the virus

Should I be concerned about Covid-19 if I am pregnant?

According to the CDC, they do not have information from published scientific reports
about susceptibility of pregnant women to COVID-19. Pregnant women experience immunologic
and physiologic changes which might make them more susceptible to viral respiratory
infections, including COVID-19. Pregnant women should engage in usual preventive actions
to avoid infection such as washing hands frequently as well as the recommendations
on prevention of spread of virus.

What should I do if I have an underlying health condition or am immunosuppressed?

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because you have a serious
long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce
your risk of getting sick with the disease. Some important facts to remember are:

Avoid close contact with people who are visibly sick.

Take everyday preventive actions such as washing your hands.

Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory
viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air
circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.

Make sure your medications and medical supplies are up to date and you have enough
supply in case you need to remain home for a period of time.

Avoid all non-essential travel.

If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, take extra measures to put distance between
yourself and other people when out in the community to further reduce your risk of
being exposed to this new virus.